Why Traffic Coatings Make for Safer Parking Structures and Walkways
Urban areas get a tremendous amount of daily traffic. Commuters wade through rush hour traffic once in the morning, and then again in the evening. During the time in between, those cars need to be parked somewhere, and, in urban environments, that often includes a parking garage. In order to keep those cars, and their drivers, safe, those floors need to be in great condition.
Drivers might expect to see potholes during that commute, but they should never see potholes in a parking structure. Those parking structures are not constructed of your run-of-the-mill concrete, but utilize a special traffic coating to help protect those roads and floors.
The basic idea behind using a traffic coating is to protect the underlying structure from water, which can either quickly or consistently cause corrosion or other types of serious damage. These special coatings need to resist attacks from chemicals like gas or oil that might leak from vehicles.
Types of Traffic Coatings
There are many types of traffic coatings, each with positives and negatives. Figuring out which one works best in which environment isn’t an exact science, but they still can differ enough from one another.
Polyurethane systems are extremely waterproof and are great at bridging cracks, making them great for projects that need water resistance. However, they can be expensive and difficult to install.
Epoxy broadcast systems have been around for decades because they are more affordable and easier to install. They are known for their great aesthetic and protection against slipping. Epoxy is not waterproof though, and corrosion and cracks may occur.
A hybrid of the two, polyurethane and epoxy, has emerged to be used in high-wear areas that see a lot of traffic, such as ramps, exits, entrances, and turning areas. They will not provide great movement capabilities but are very durable.
Poly-methyl methacrylates, or PMMAs, give the benefit of quick installation. They are very durable and will not shut down your space for long, which is crucial for a project that needs a quick turnaround. They can be expensive, and can crack more easily than others.
Latex/vinyl copolymer systems are economical, allowing for easy application and high permeability. Again, they are not known for its waterproofing capabilities and it is naturally rigid, but has an appearance closest to concrete.
Last, sealers are affordable and also easy to apply, and will not change the appearance of concrete at all. The downside is that it does not last too long, and frequent reapplication is required for the best protection.
Protect Your Structure with Traffic Coatings
Today’s traffic topping technology is widely used to protect the reinforced steel and concrete of a structure. The biggest goal of the coatings is waterproofing, with the goal to stop water from permeating the concrete. By cutting back on the flow of water, then you can cut back on corrosion.
Where there is occupied space, such as below a parking deck or pedestrian plaza, Zander Solutions is qualified to recommend and install many types of waterproofing membranes to protect the spaces below.
To get a quote on waterproofing or traffic coating needs, contact Zander Solutions via phone at 833-928-1429 or fill out our contact form. Our experience and expertise allow us to assess the situation correctly and plan how to perform the project properly.
